"BUT GOD" - Advent Deep Study Guide

Genesis 3 and God's Pursuit of Humanity

INTRODUCTION

This deep study guide explores the sermon "BUT GOD" which examines the pivotal moment in Genesis 3 where sin enters the world, yet God immediately begins His redemptive work. The sermon highlights the pattern throughout Scripture where human failure is met with divine intervention—captured in the powerful phrase "BUT GOD." As we enter the Advent season, we'll explore how the Fall narrative foreshadows Christ's coming and God's determination to rescue what was lost.

PART I: THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK - THE "BUT GOD" MOMENTS

Key Concept: Divine Intervention in Human Failure

Throughout Scripture, we see a recurring pattern that forms the backbone of redemptive history:

1. Human sin and failure
2. Judgment and consequences
3. The divine turning point: "BUT GOD"

Scripture Examples to Explore:

• Genesis 8:1 - "BUT GOD remembered Noah..." during the flood
• Genesis 50:20 - "You intended to harm me, BUT GOD intended it for good..."
• Psalm 73:26 - "My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT GOD is the strength of my heart..."
• Romans 5:8 - "BUT GOD demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
• Ephesians 2:4-5 - "BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us..."

Deep Theological Reflection: The "BUT GOD" moments in Scripture reveal God's sovereignty, grace, and commitment to His redemptive purposes. These divine interventions are not merely God "fixing" human problems, but are expressions of His character and covenant faithfulness. They demonstrate that salvation history is fundamentally God-initiated rather than human-achieved.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding the pattern of "BUT GOD" moments change your perspective on your own failures and God's response to them?
2. Why is it significant that God's interventions often come at the darkest moments in biblical narratives? What does this reveal about His character?
3. Consider the theological concept of God's providence. How does the "BUT GOD" pattern demonstrate both God's sovereignty and human responsibility?

PART II: EXEGETICAL STUDY OF GENESIS 3:6-8

A. The Fall and Its Immediate Effects (Genesis 3:6-7)

Scripture: "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." (Genesis 3:6-7, NIV)

Textual Analysis:

1. The progression of temptation: visual appeal → perceived benefit → action
2. The immediate consequence: "eyes were opened" - a distorted self-awareness
3. The first human solution: fig leaves - inadequate self-covering

Theological Insights:

• Self-Awareness vs. God-Awareness: The sermon highlights how sin shifted their focus from God-consciousness to self-consciousness. This represents the fundamental distortion of sin—turning inward rather than upward and outward.
• The Inadequacy of Human Solutions: The fig leaves represent humanity's first attempt at self-salvation, a pattern that continues throughout human history.

Hebrew Word Study:

• "Eyes were opened" (וַתִּפָּקַ֙חְנָה֙ עֵינֵ֣י) - This phrase appears elsewhere in Scripture when someone gains new insight (2 Kings 6:17), but here it represents a distorted knowledge that brings shame rather than enlightenment.
• "Naked" (עֵירֻמִּ֖ם) - This term carries both physical and metaphorical significance, representing vulnerability, exposure, and shame.

Cross-References:

• Romans 7:7-13 - Paul's reflection on how the law brought awareness of sin
• James 1:14-15 - The progression of temptation to sin
• Isaiah 64:6 - Our righteousness as "filthy rags" (comparable to inadequate fig leaves)

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the text describe the progression from temptation to sin? Where do you see similar patterns in your own life?
2. What is significant about their immediate awareness of nakedness? How does this relate to shame in your own experience of sin?
3. The sermon states that sin creates "self-life" - a focus inward rather than upward. How have you experienced this inward focus in your own spiritual journey?
4. Analyze the fig leaf coverings as a metaphor. What "fig leaves" do people use today to cover their spiritual nakedness before God?

B. God's Pursuit (Genesis 3:8)

Scripture: "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8, NIV)

Textual Analysis:

1. God's habitual presence: "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" suggests a pattern of fellowship
2. Human response to sin: hiding from God's presence
3. The contrast: human withdrawal vs. divine approach

Theological Insights:

• Divine Accommodation: God's "walking" is an anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to God) that demonstrates His desire for fellowship with humans.
• The Paradox of Sin: While sin drives humans away from God, it draws God toward humans in pursuit.

Hebrew Word Study:

• "Walking" (מִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ) - This term implies a continued action or habitual presence, suggesting God regularly communed with Adam and Eve.
• "Cool of the day" (לְר֥וּחַ הַיּ֖וֹם) - Literally "the wind/spirit of the day," possibly referring to evening when breezes would come.

Cross-References:

• Revelation 3:20 - Christ standing at the door and knocking
• Luke 19:10 - "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost"
• Isaiah 65:1 - "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me."

Discussion Questions:

1. What does God's walking in the garden tell us about His original design for relationship with humans?
2. Contrast Adam and Eve's response to sin with God's response. What does this reveal about both human nature and divine nature?
3. The sermon emphasizes that God still came near despite their sin. How does this foreshadow the incarnation of Christ?
4. In what ways do you find yourself hiding from God? What practices might help you respond to His pursuit rather than hiding?

PART III: SHAME AND GOD'S CALLING (GENESIS 3:9-13)

Scripture: "But the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?' He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.' And he said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?' The man said, 'The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.' Then the LORD God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'" (Genesis 3:9-13, NIV)

Textual Analysis:

1. God's question: "Where are you?" - not seeking information but relationship
2. Adam's confession of fear and shame
3. The pattern of blame-shifting: Adam → Eve → Serpent
4. God's patient questioning rather than immediate judgment

Theological Insights:

• Divine Omniscience and Human Accountability: God knew where they were and what they had done, yet He invited confession through questions.
• The Anatomy of Shame: The text reveals how shame produces hiding, fear, and blame rather than repentance.
• The Pastoral Heart of God: God approaches as a shepherd seeking the lost rather than as an angry judge.

Hebrew Word Study:

• "Where are you?" (אַיֶּ֖כָּה) - This question is singular (directed to Adam) despite both having sinned, perhaps indicating Adam's representative responsibility.
• "Afraid" (וָאִירָ֛א) - Connected to the Hebrew word for "fear/reverence," showing how proper reverence for God had been distorted into dread.

Cross-References:

• Matthew 16:24-25 - Jesus' call to deny ourselves and take up the cross
• Proverbs 28:13 - "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
• James 4:6-10 - God's grace toward the humble vs. opposition to the proud

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does God ask "Where are you?" when He already knows? What does this reveal about God's approach to sinners?
2. The sermon mentions that "when self-life takes over, you're going to protect the self at all costs." Where do you see this dynamic in the text? In your own life?
3. Analyze the blame-shifting pattern in verses 12-13. How does this reflect our own tendencies when confronted with sin?
4. The sermon states that God approaches "more like a shepherd than a judge." How does this foreshadow Jesus' ministry? How should it inform our approach to those caught in sin?
5. Consider the concept of "dying to self" mentioned in the sermon. How does Genesis 3 demonstrate the necessity of this spiritual principle?

PART IV: THE PROMISE OF VICTORY (GENESIS 3:14-15)

Scripture: "So the LORD God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.'" (Genesis 3:14-15, NIV)

Textual Analysis:

1. God's judgment on the serpent: physical degradation and curse
2. The establishment of "enmity" between two spiritual lineages
3. The first messianic prophecy: the offspring who will crush the serpent's head

Theological Insights:

• Protoevangelium: Genesis 3:15 is often called the "first gospel" as it contains the first promise of a redeemer.
• Divine Foreknowledge: God's immediate provision of a solution indicates He had already planned redemption before the Fall occurred.
• Spiritual Warfare: The "enmity" establishes the cosmic conflict that runs throughout Scripture.

Hebrew Word Study:

• "Enmity" (אֵיבָ֣ה) - Deep-seated hostility or hatred, indicating not just natural animal/human aversion but a spiritual battle.
• "Offspring" (זַרְעֲךָ֖) - Literally "seed," can refer to both collective descendants and a singular descendant, allowing for both interpretations.
• "Crush" (יְשׁוּפְךָ֣) - Can mean to bruise, crush, or strike, indicating a decisive, fatal blow.

Cross-References:

• Romans 16:20 - "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet"
• John 8:42-44 - Jesus identifies some as children of the devil, echoing the "offspring" language
• Revelation 12:9-11 - The cosmic battle between the dragon (serpent) and the woman's offspring
• Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ born of a woman to redeem those under the law

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Genesis 3:15 function as the "first gospel"? What elements of the gospel message are present in this verse?
2. The sermon mentions that this promise comes "immediately after the Fall." What does this timing reveal about God's character and plan?
3. How does Jesus fulfill the promise of the woman's offspring who crushes the serpent's head? Where in the Gospels do you see this fulfilled?
4. The sermon references Jesus' words in John 8:42-44 about being "children of the devil." How does this connect to Genesis 3:15? What does it mean to be part of either "offspring" line today?
5. What is the significance of the promise coming in the midst of judgment? How does this pattern continue throughout Scripture?

PART V: GOD'S PROVISION (GENESIS 3:21)

Scripture: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21, NIV)

Textual Analysis:

1. Divine initiative: God makes the garments, not humans
2. The material: animal skins requiring sacrifice
3. The purpose: covering human nakedness and shame

Theological Insights:

• Atonement Foreshadowed: The first animal death in Scripture is for covering human shame, pointing toward sacrificial atonement.
• Grace Amid Judgment: This provision comes after pronouncing curses, showing God's mercy even in discipline.
• Divine vs. Human Solutions: God's covering (animal skins) replaces human attempts at covering (fig leaves).

Hebrew Word Study:

• "Garments" (כָּתְנ֥וֹת) - Refers to a tunic or long shirt-like garment, more substantial than the temporary coverings they made.
• "Skin" (ע֖וֹר) - Animal hide, implying the death of an animal, in contrast to vegetation (fig leaves).

Cross-References:

• Hebrews 9:22 - "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness"
• Isaiah 61:10 - Being clothed with garments of salvation
• Revelation 7:14 - Robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ becoming sin so we might become the righteousness of God

Discussion Questions:

1. Compare and contrast Adam and Eve's fig leaf coverings with God's provision of animal skins. What theological truths does this difference illustrate?
2. The sermon points out that "an animal had to die" to provide these coverings. How does this foreshadow Christ's sacrifice?
3. How does Genesis 3:21 demonstrate the insufficiency of human efforts at self-salvation? Where do you see similar patterns in religious systems today?
4. This passage shows God providing a covering for shame. How does Christ's work address the problem of shame in our lives?
5. The sermon contrasts "works-based self-life" with "grace-based covering." Where do you see these two approaches in your own spiritual journey?

PART VI: ADVENT APPLICATION - PREPARING FOR CHRIST'S COMING

Theological Connection: The Genesis 3 narrative establishes the need for the Incarnation. The problems introduced in the Fall—shame, separation from God, self-focus, inadequate self-salvation—all point to our need for Christ's coming. Advent is a season of acknowledging this need and preparing our hearts for the ultimate "BUT GOD" moment: the Word becoming flesh.

Key Advent Themes from Genesis 3:

1. Hope - Found in the promise of Genesis 3:15
2. Longing - Recognizing our inadequacy and need for divine intervention
3. Preparation - Responding to God's pursuit by stepping out of hiding
4. Expectation - Looking forward to God's ultimate solution

Scripture Connections:

• Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light... For to us a child is born"
• Luke 1:68-75 - Zechariah's prophecy about God visiting and redeeming His people
• John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us"
• Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman..."

Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding the Fall narrative deepen your appreciation for the Incarnation?
2. In what ways does Advent invite us to acknowledge our own inadequate "fig leaves" and embrace God's provision?
3. The sermon describes Advent as "preparing our hearts to celebrate the ultimate 'BUT GOD' moment." What spiritual practices might help you prepare your heart during this season?
4. How does Christ's coming address each element of the Fall: shame, hiding, self-focus, and inadequate covering?
5. The Genesis narrative shows God pursuing humans who are hiding. How might you respond more fully to God's pursuit this Advent season?

PART VII: PERSONAL REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Guided Reflection Questions:

1. Where in your life are you currently "hiding" from God? What would it look like to respond to His pursuit?
2. What "fig leaves" are you using to cover your spiritual nakedness instead of accepting God's provision in Christ?
3. How has the "self-life" manifested in your spiritual journey? What would it look like to truly "die to self" in these areas?
4. Where do you need to experience a "BUT GOD" moment in your current circumstances?
5. How might you live differently if you fully embraced the truth that God pursues you even in your sin and shame?

Application Challenge:

1. Surrender Practice: Identify one area where you're trying to handle things in your own strength (a "fig leaf"). Deliberately surrender this to God in prayer each day this week.
2. Advent Meditation: Set aside time each day to meditate on one "BUT GOD" moment in Scripture, connecting it to Christ's coming.
3. Shame Inventory: Prayerfully identify areas of shame that cause you to hide from God. Bring these into the light through confession to God and possibly a trusted spiritual friend.
4. Advent Hospitality: Just as God pursued Adam and Eve, identify someone who might be "hiding" and extend Christ's welcome to them this season.

PART VIII: FOR DEEPER STUDY

Recommended Resources:

1. The Advent of the Lamb of God by Russ Ramsey
2. Far as the Curse is Found: The Covenant Story of Redemption by Michael D. Williams
3. The Gospel According to Genesis by Warren Gage
4. Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection by Edward T. Welch
5. Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen (on the sufficiency of Christ's atonement)

Theological Topics for Further Exploration:

1. Covenant Theology - Tracing God's covenant promises from Genesis to Christ
2. Anthropology - The biblical understanding of human nature before and after the Fall
3. Soteriology - How salvation addresses the specific effects of the Fall
4. Christology - Christ as the second Adam and fulfillment of Genesis 3:15
5. Eschatology - The ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 in the final defeat of Satan

Advanced Scripture Study:

• Compare Genesis 3 with Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-49
• Trace the theme of "covering" throughout Scripture (Noah's ark, Passover blood, Tabernacle coverings, etc.)
• Study the "offspring" promise through Abraham (Genesis 12:7), David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), and its fulfillment in Christ

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being the God of "BUT GOD" moments. When we were lost in sin, hiding in shame, You pursued us. When our self-made coverings failed, You provided the perfect covering through Christ's sacrifice. As we enter this Advent season, help us to respond to Your pursuit, to step out of hiding, and to embrace the hope found in Your promise of victory through Jesus. May we die to self-life and live in the freedom of Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.